The Arabic word for fasting is ‘sawm’. The literal meaning of sawm is to abstain. During the month of fasting, a person refrains from many things. Thus Ramadan is a month of leading a controlled life. Keeping oneself in discipline is very important. Success is for one who knows the art of discipline. One who lacks discipline cannot achieve big success. The month of Ramadan is meant as training in discipline. Discipline is important both in worldly and religious aspects of life.

Sacrifice
During fasting in Ramadan a person abstains from food and drink. This is the minimum level of sacrifice. The maximum sacrifice is to dedicate one’s entire life, wealth and resources for the sake of God, and thus be rewarded with Paradise in the Hereafter. This sacrifice is the spirit of fasting.